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USS Ohio Holds Crew Split, Assumption Of Command Ceremony

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060817-03
Release Date: 8/17/2006 11:03:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Mary Popejoy, Northwest Region Public Affairs

SILVERDALE, Wash. (NNS) -- Family, friends, special guests, and the officers and Sailors of USS Ohio (SSGN 726) witnessed a crew split and assumption of command ceremony at the Naval Undersea Museum in Keyport Aug. 15.

Cmdr. Michael Cockey assumed command of USS Ohio (Blue) and Capt. Andrew Hale assumed command of USS Ohio (Gold).

The guest speaker for the event was Rear Adm. Frank Drennan, commander, Submarine Group 9 and Submarine Group 10.

"This ceremony recognizes the significant milestone and the transformation of our joint force, and that we are moving closer and closer to the first deployment of the SSGN," said Drennan.

"The crew splitting ceremony means we are another step closer to the realization of a capability for our nation that will enable us to undertake security challenges of an uncertain future," Drennan added. "It means that we are one step closer to providing the combatant commanders with an unprecedented, long-term, repetitive, surveillance and command and control capability with concurrent firepower. A capability that provides access, mobility, stealth and a broad mix of capabilities for meeting those security challenges."

Drennan added that even though the conversion process is complete, the Sailors of Ohio have a great deal of work ahead of them, such as learning how to operate new systems, undergoing technical, operational developments, evaluations and developing new concepts of operations.

"In essence you're going to tell us how the SSGN should be operating because no one else knows; only you," said Drennan. "And most importantly, you must come together as a crew because between now and the first deployment is when the boat's personality is born. It's where the fundamental character of the boat is put into the place that ultimately determines her success."

After Drennan's remarks, Cmdr. Michael Cockey highlighted some of Ohio's accomplishments while focusing on Ohio's "Always first" theme.

Ohio was the first Trident submarine to refuel and operate at sea with Self Contained Breathing Apparatus for firefighting; installed, tested and operated the Common Submarine Radio Room; first at sea test of the Tomahawk Attack Weapons System combined with the Tomahawk Strike Network; first SSGN to hover at periscope depth for nearly two straight days; first SSGN to load a Dry Dock Shelter and the first certified dive locker.

"Ohio crew, you have excelled in delivering this fine ship to the fleet," said Cockey. "Your long hours, hard work and technical expertise have paid off. There is no finer ship in the fleet. Now comes more hard, and hopefully, more rewarding work. The Ohio crew must now divide into Blue and Gold crew, develop unique esprit de corps and take the mighty Ohio to sea to fight our nation's battles."

Ohio entered Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in November 2002 as a fleet ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) and in December 2005, completed conversion to a guided-missile submarine (SSGN) capable of carrying more than 150 Tomahawk cruise missiles and more than 60 special operations forces for extended periods.